How to reach Masai Mara, Flights, Buses and Taxi to Masai Mara

How to Reach Masai Mara

Nairobi is the main entry point to Kenya. Reaching the Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 270 kilometres (168 miles) from Nairobi. The reserve has several airstrips in and around to reach from one of Nairobi’s Airports – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Nairobi Wilson Airport. By air, the journey takes around 45 minutes and is the preferred mode of transportation. Masai Mara is also accessible by road with a distance of about 270 kilometres. It can be reached in 5 to 6 hours with private vehicle hire or guided safari tours as popular choices.

How to Reach Masai Mara from India

Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Jet Airways, Air India, Etihad Airlines are the carriers that will take you to Nairobi Airport, from India's metro cities.

How to reach Masai Mara by flight

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the main entry point to Kenya with flights from all major countries in the world. This can be booked on Skyscanner.
For domestic travel, Nairobi Wilson Airport caters to domestic flights to Masai Mara's airstrips. Airlines like Kenya Airways, AirKenya, and SafariLink offer options for local journeys. The flight from Nairobi to the Masai Mara airstrips takes about 1 hour one-way and costs around $400 per person for a round-trip.

Masai Mara can also be reached from other cities like Samburu, Lewa Downs, Nanyuki, or Mombasa.

Airstrips in Masai Mara

The Masai Mara has several airstrips in and around the national reserve. Here is a list of the major airstrips in Masai Mara:

Keekorok Airstrip
Siana Airstrip
Serena Airstrip
Musiara Airstrip
Kichwa Tembo Airstrip
Ol Kiombo Airstrip
Ngerende Airstrip
Ol Seki airstrip
Olare Orok Airstrip
Angama Airstrip

How to reach Masai Mara by road

Masai Mara can be easily reached by road from major cities and towns. From Nairobi, travellers can access the Masai Mara by road, covering a distance of about 270 kilometres (168 miles). The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours via Narok. The road is tarred to Sekenani Gate. The road can be bumpy and dusty, especially the last unpaved portion, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Visitors can choose between private vehicle hire, self-drive (not recommended), or joining a safari tour with transportation included.

How to reach Masai Mara by bus

To reach Masai Mara by public transport, Narok town is your main stop. From Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), you can find regular buses to Narok operated by Narok Line Services. It's best to catch the first van in the morning around 7:00 AM, as the journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours. From Narok, you'll need to take a second bus to Sekenani gate in Masai Mara, ideally around midday to arrive before sunset. Also, note that matatus runs to Masai Mara until around 01:00 PM, and the fare for the C12 matatu is approximately $5 one way. If you miss the bus, you can opt for a shared taxi. The journey by bus takes around 7-8 hours.

How to reach Masai Mara by Waterways

Local transport in Masai Mara

Within Masai Mara, there are two main types of vehicles for commuting: Safari Tour Minibuses (Tour Vans) and 4x4 Safari Jeeps, usually Toyota Landcruisers or Landrovers. Both have pop-up game viewing roof hatches, UHF Radio Calls, and Cooler Boxes. Tour Vans are cheaper than Safari Jeeps, but some vans also have 4x4 capability, though with less off-road ability. Both types of vehicles can seat up to 7 passengers, with 6 being ideal. They're used for game drives within the park, providing excellent views of wildlife.